Overview
- Pentagon officials said U.S.-hired contractors installed markers for a “National Defense Area III,” attributing the placement to changes in water depth and topography that skewed perceptions of the border.
- Mexico’s foreign ministry said its navy removed the markers because they were on Mexican territory, with video circulating that shows marines taking the signs down.
- The incident occurred on Playa Bagdad near the mouth of the Rio Grande, where shifting channels have historically complicated the precise boundary line.
- The signs warned that unauthorized entry and photography were prohibited and stated that people found in the area could be detained and searched.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum said the IBWC would handle the dispute, and the Pentagon said contractors would coordinate with appropriate agencies to avoid future confusion.